Electric car statistics - data and projections

Key electric car stats and figures

• A typical electric car will take eight hours to charge from empty at a 'fast' 7kW charge point
• Many electric cars are compatible with 'rapid' 50kW chargers, which adds 100 miles in around 35 minutes  
• As of the end of 2023, there are 53,906 public electric vehicle charging devices available in the UK. Of these, 10,497 are rapid EV chargers
• In the UK, Scotland has the highest number of EV charging devices per 100,000 of the population (77), followed by England (68.7), Wales (66) and Northern Ireland (22.6). (Figures accurate to the end of October 2023)
• 2023 was the best year for new electric car sales with 314,687 new EV registrations – up from 267,204 in 2022.
• Electric cars accounted for 17.8% of all new car registrations in 2023. Petrol was the most popular fuel choice, with a 40.7% market share 
• The original Nissan Leaf was the first EV to enjoy mainstream success. Launched in 2011, the Leaf combined family car practicality with a maximum range of 100 miles
• The Mercedes-Benz EQS has the best maximum EV range in 2024, covering up to 452 miles on a single charge
• The Tesla Model Y is the best-selling electric car in the world, and also the best-selling electric car in the UK in 2023, with 35,899 sales
• It's probably no surprise, then, that the Tesla Model Y is currently the best-selling electric car in the UK as of December 2023

Electric Cars in 2024 – Global Overview

What is an electric vehicle?

Electric cars (sometimes referred to as electric vehicles or EVs) are battery-powered vehicles that run on electricity 100% of the time. Unlike petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicles, electric cars do not have a combustion engine; instead, electric cars use an electric motor and a rechargeable battery.

A typical electric car will travel between 100 - 200 miles on a single charge, while premium models like the Tesla Model S or the Polestar 2 are capable of covering around 300 miles before you will be asked to plug the car in for a recharge. The Mercedes EQS claims to manage 452 miles on a single charge.

 How do electric vehicles work?

Unlike their petrol and diesel counterparts, electric vehicles are not powered by an internal combustion engine. Instead, the wheels are driven by one or more electric motors, which are powered by a battery that is recharged via a plug on the car. 

 As with petrol and diesel cars, the advertised range of an EV varies depending on driving style. Weather conditions can also impact the range of an electric car, along with the use of in-car heating and air conditioning. 

 Electric cars feature smart energy recovery tech, which automatically tops up the battery by converting kinetic energy into electricity (when braking or travelling down a hill).

Recharging the battery in an electric car can be a lengthy process – most EVs will require eight or nine hours for a full charge from a 7kW wall box. However, most electric vehicles have a 'rapid charge' function that uses a higher voltage to charge the battery to 80% of its charge in around 40 minutes.

What are the different types of electric vehicles?

The term 'electric vehicle' is applied to a range of cars. Not all of these vehicles are pure electric. In fact, some 'electric vehicles' are actually hybrids, using a petrol or diesel engine alongside an electric motor and plug-in battery. 

Pure electric vehicles (EVs) - These cars are powered by an electric battery only and typically have a range of 100 - 200 miles.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) - Unlike EVs, plug-in hybrid vehicles are powered by a combination of electricity and fossil fuel (petrol or diesel). PHEVs have a smaller battery than pure electric cars, which means they have a maximum EV range of 15 - 30 miles. When the battery is empty the combustion engine will power the vehicle until the battery is recharged again.

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) - Hybrid vehicles can only be driven a few miles on pure electricity. A hybrid car has no plug, instead, it recovers energy under braking and uses it to recharge its battery on the move.

What is the cheapest electric car?

The Citroen Ami is the cheapest electric car in 2024, starting at £7,695. Models like Smart EQ Fortwo and BYD Dolphin are available for over £20,000. The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV is the most affordable electric SUV in 2024. 

What are the key statistics for electric cars in 2024?

Overall, 1.9 million new cars were registered in 2023 – a figure 17.9% up on 2022 due to the easing of the global semiconductor chip shortage. To get more detail, our guide to car sales stats explains all. 

• Electric car sales increased by 17.8% in 2023.
• More than one in ten new vehicles sold were electric.
• Electric car sales are now second only to petrol cars in the UK.
• More battery electric vehicles (BEV) were sold in 2023 than ever before with 314,687 registrations (16.5% of all new car sales), while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) made up 7.4% or 141,311 cars. 
• An estimated 16.7 million electric vehicles will be sold worldwide in 2024. 
• Prices of electric vehicles and electric vehicle batteries are expected to decrease in 2024. 
• China will remain the world’s largest EV market in 2024. 
• More than one in ten new vehicles sold in 2024 will be pure electric.

 More battery electric vehicles (BEV) were sold in 2023 than ever before with 314,687 registrations (16.5% of all new car sales), while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) made up 7.4% or 141,311 cars. 

New Electric Car Sales in 2023

At the end of 2023, China had approximately 50% of all electric cars. With combined sales of over half a million, BYD ATTO 3, BYD Dolphin, and GAC Aion S were some of the most popular models among Chinese consumers in 2023.  During the same period, the Tesla Model Y was Europe’s best-selling EV, with over 254,000 sales. The sales of new electric vehicles in Canada and the United States increased by 46% in 2023 from the year before. 

Used Electric Car Sales in 2023

• The value of a new electric car depreciates by approximately 50pc a month over a three-year period in the UK. 
• The value of second-hand Tesla, Ford, and GM EVs in the US decreased by 28 per cent in 2023. 
• The value of used electric cars in the US dropped by nearly a third in 2023, indicating that most drivers cannot afford a new EV. 
• Volkswagen EVs were the most popular in the UK's used electric car market. 

How many used electric cars were sold in 2023?

Demand for used electric cars is growing. 2023 saw used EV sales increase by 37.5%, while there are an estimated 975,000 electric cars on the road in the UK and 590,000 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). As a comparison, just 4,891 diesel cars were registered in December 2023 – a mere 3.5% market share. 

In the same month, while new car sales overall where up on the same time last year, electric car sales saw a drop of 34.2%.

Alongside EVs, 2023 has seen an increase in the number of self-charging hybrid cars, up 27.1% on 2022 with 238,942 registrations. The number of PHEV (plug-in hybrid cars) is up too, by 39.3% year-on-year with 141,311 registrations.

What electric cars have the longest range in 2024?

All-electric models with a range of over 300 miles have doubled on the US market since 2022. Currently, more than 25 models with at least a 300-mile range are available to American drivers and that number is expected to increase in 2024. 

The best-selling electric cars (EVs) in 2023

These are the top 5 best-selling electric cars in 2023.

1. Tesla Model Y (35,899)
2. MG4 (21,715)
3. Audi Q4 e-tron (16,757)
4. Tesla Model 3 (13,536)
5. Polestar 2 (12,542)
6. Volkswagen ID.3 (10,295)
7. Kia Niro EV (10,084)
8. BMW i4 (8940)
9. Volkswagen ID.4 (8495)
10. Skoda Enyaq (8136)

The best-selling electric cars (EVs) in 2022

The Tesla Model Y was the best-selling electric car in 2022, replacing the Tesla Model 3 which lead the way in 2021. 

1. Tesla Model Y (35,551)
2. Tesla Model 3 (19,071)
3. Kia e-Niro (11,197)
4. VW ID.3 (9832)
5. Nissan Leaf (9178)
6. MINI Electric (7425)
7. Polestar 2 (7345)
8. MG5 (7030)
9. BMW i4 (6699)
10. Audi Q4 e-tron (6594)

Is it a good time to buy an EV?

The growth of the EV market is expected to accelerate in the coming years as the UK prepares itself for the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales. However, following a big investment in the UK’s charging infrastructure, we still think there has never been a better time to buy a new or used EV. 

In 2024 EVs will outsell every type of fuel except petrol, which is set to remain the most popular fuel choice for used car buyers for the next few years. Diesel is expected to become a niche choice over time as drivers opt for cleaner and cheaper plug-in alternatives.

There’s been a massive increase in the number of electric vehicles on sale in the UK with manufacturers scrambling to offer as many models as possible with plug-in variants. Carmakers like Nissan, Tesla, Ford and Vauxhall have all expanded their model line ups to include affordable plug-in models and EVs. Premium carmaker Volkswagen has gone one step further and created the electric-only ID. range while Mercedes-Benz has created its innovative Mercedes-EQ models. See our guides for the best electric cars or the cheapest electric cars for more.

How many used electric cars were sold in 2023?

• Demand for used electric cars is growing, too. 2023 saw used EV sales increase by 37.5%, while there are an estimated 975,000 electric cars on the road in the UK and 590,000 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).As a comparison, just 4,891 diesel cars were registered in December 2023 – a mere 3.5% market share.
• 118,973 used all-electric vehicles were sold in the UK in 2023. 
• Hybrid vehicles were more popular than pure electric vehicles in the UK’s used electric car market, as 221,859 second-hand hybrids changed hands in the UK compared to 118,973 pure electric models.
• Nissan Leaf was the UK’s most sought-after used EV in 2023. 
• BEVs represent 1.8% of the UK’s used vehicle market.  

What is the average cost of an electric car?

The average cost of an electric car in the United States is between $40,000 and $50,000, depending on the vehicle’s trim. In the UK, drivers must spend £50,000 on average to get a new electric car, while the median cost of an electric vehicle in the EU is around €55,000. 

Electric Car 2024 Trends

Alongside EVs, 2023 has seen an increase in the number of self-charging hybrid cars by 27.1% in 2022, with 238,942 registrations. The number of PHEV (plug-in hybrid cars) is up by 39.3% year-on-year, with 141,311 registrations.

Even though the EV sales projections aren’t as high as expected, early estimates indicate that the sales of electric cars in 2024 should increase by 20% from the year before. 

Let’s examine key electric car trends for 2024 more closely: 

• In 2024, 25% of all new registered vehicles in Europe will be electric. 
• EV prices will continue to drop as automakers adjust to the mass market. 
• The costs of electrical vehicle batteries are likely to decrease in 2024 because manufacturers are starting to introduce new, more affordable technologies. 
• The charging infrastructure will expand and become more accessible to EV owners. 
• Seven electric car manufacturers, including Volvo, Mercedes, and Nissan, announced plans to make their vehicles compatible with Tesla’s supercharging network. 
• Tax credits for BEVs, PHEVs, and fuel-cell electric cars will become available to US buyers in 2024. 

Electric Vehicle Sales Statistics

• EVs and hybrids surpassed 16% of all light-duty vehicle sales in 2023. 
• 6.3 million EVs are expected to be sold in Europe by 2025. 
• The average range of EVs will increase in 2024, which is likely to prompt more consumers to consider purchasing them. 
• The electric vehicle market should grow at a 16.9% annual rate between 2024 and 2032. 
• 105,258 electric vehicles were sold in the United States in January 2024. 
• 9.3% of all passenger vehicles sold in the United States in 2023 were plug-in electric vehicles. 

UK Electric Car Statistics

• In 2024, the UK’s electric vehicle market is expected to generate $20.6 billion in revenue. 
• The size of the electric vehicle fleet in the UK has exceeded the 1 million mark in 2022. 
• Drivers under the age of 30 show the highest interest in purchasing an EV. 
• As of February 2024, there were 57,000 electric vans on the UK roads. 

How many electric cars were registered in the UK? 

The UK’s millionth BEV was registered in January 2024. In addition, 142,876 vehicles were registered during the first month of 2024, including 20,935 BEVs, 11,944 PHEVs and 18,744 HEVs. These numbers show that the BEVs had the second highest number of registrations behind petrol cars. In 2023, 314,687 new electric cars were registered in the UK, while 267,204 EVs were registered in 2022. 

How does the UK compare to the European Union for electric car sales?

The UK had the second largest plug-in car market in Europe in 2022, with 368,617 sales during the year. Moreover, the sales of new electric cars in the UK were at 16.1% share during the first six months of 2023, placing it ahead of France (15.5%) and Germany (15.8%). However, the UK’s share of EVs was trailing Sweden (37.3%), Finland (32.6%), Denmark (31%), Netherlands (28.9%) and several other EU countries during this period.   

How do electric car sales compare to new car sales overall in the UK? 

Despite their increasing popularity, electric cars accounted for around 17.8% of all new cars sold in the UK in 2023. Petrol was the most popular fuel type with a 40.7% market share (774,484 new car sales) with diesel taking a 3.8% share or 71,501 cars (excluding hybrids). 

When will all cars be electric in the UK?

All new cars and vans sold in the UK must be fully electric by 2035, five years later than originally planned. By 2030, it’s estimated that 80% of all cars and 70% of vans sold in Great Britain will be zero-emission vehicles, increasing to 100% by 2035. 

One study indicates that over 25.5 million EVs should be on UK roads by 2040. 

The sale of new cars and vans powered entirely by petrol and diesel engines will be banned from 2035, along with hybrid car sales.

What percentage of cars in the UK are electric?

Around 7% of cars in the UK are pure electric or hybrid. This percentage is likely to increase by the end of 2024 as electric car sales are projected to continue rising throughout the year.

How many electric cars are in the UK?

According to the latest vehicle stats, the UK’s electric car market is still strong. EV car sales increased by 17.8% in 2023, and there are over a million BEVs, PHEVs, and HEVs in the UK as of February 2024. Currently, the majority of electric cars in the UK are plug-in hybrid vehicles (596,877).

How do electric car sales compare to new car sales overall in the UK? 

Despite their increasing popularity, electric cars accounted for around 17.8% of all new cars sold in the UK in 2023. Petrol was the most popular fuel type, with a 40.7% market share (774,484 new car sales), with diesel taking a 3.8% share or 71,501 cars (excluding hybrids). Still, the sales of electric vehicles to private buyers decreased by 14% in 2023, even though the number of EV registrations rose by 19%, and that the sales growth was driven by company fleet buyers.

In February 2024, 18% of all cars sold in the UK were electric, while the sales of EVs increased by 28% compared to the same month a year before.

How many electric car charging stations are there in the UK?

Charging infrastructure in the UK is growing at a rapid rate, with new charging points being added daily. The scope of the nation’s electric car charging network has increased by 47% between February 2023 and February 2024. 

At the end of February 2024, there were 57,290 EV charging points in the UK, and 3,613 new public electric car charging stations were added to the network during the first two months of the year. These devices provide 87,421 electric car charging connectors. As of January 2024, 59% of all charging devices were slow electric car charging stations. 

How many electric car charging locations are there in the UK?

There are 32,575 EV charging locations in the UK as of February 2024. This number includes devices that are classed as slow (3-5kW), fast (7-22kW), rapid (25-99kW) and ultra-rapid (100kW). 

Currently, the UK has 5,179 rapid charging locations with access to 12,752 fast and rapid charging devices. 136 ultra-rapid charging devices were installed in February 2024. 

In addition, EV drivers can park and charge their cars at private locations through platforms like YourParkingSpace.co.uk. It currently has over 5,000 private spaces at 1,736 locations on its platform for EV drivers. There are an estimated 700,000 private electric charging locations in the UK, installed either at home or a workplace. 

How much does it cost to install an electric car charger in the UK?

EV owners in the UK must spend around £1,000 to install a 7kW fast charger in their home or approximately £650, including the charger and the labour cost if they’re eligible for the government grant. The cost of trenching (installing cables underground) is £30 per meter or more, depending on the terrain. A 3kW slow charger is a more affordable option as its average home installation price ranges between £250 and £500. 

How much does it cost to charge an electric car in the UK?

The cost of charging an electric car is approximately £5 per 100 miles, provided that the cost of electricity is 18p per kWh and that the vehicle can travel at least 3.5 miles per kWh. Fully charging an EV with a 60 kWh battery at home costs approximately £17, while recharging an electric car at a supermarket or a car park costs approximately £26. The rapid charging service costs around £19 for a 30-minute charge. Most EV owners in the UK can use charging stations installed at their work for free. 

How much does it cost to replace an electric car battery in the UK?

Despite projections indicating that their prices should continue to decrease in 2024, batteries remain among the most expensive electric car components. As of January 2024, replacing an electric car battery in the UK costs £109.25 per kWh or £7,235. 

Fortunately, most EV owners won’t have to replace their car’s battery during their vehicle’s lifespan due to their longevity.

Electric Cars in Europe Statistics

• The European plug-in electric vehicle market grew by 15% from 2021 and 2022. 
• At the end of 2023, BEVs were the third most popular choice among European EV buyers. 
• The registrations of hybrid electric cars rose by 26% in December due to a stark increase in registrations of these vehicles in Europe’s largest markets, Germany (+38%), France (32.6%) and Spain (24.3%).
• As of June 2023, the EU had the second-largest electric car charging infrastructure, with over 560,000 public charging points installed in its member states.
• Battery electric vehicles reached 14.6% of Europe’s car market share. 
• 1.5 million battery electric cars were sold in the EU in 2023, while 2.7 million hybrid-electric vehicles were sold during the same period. 
• 67% of all EVs sold in the EU during 2023 were BEVs. 
• The Tesla Model Y is expected to remain Europe’s most popular electric car in 2024. 

Norway Electric Car Statistics

• According to the Norwegian EV Association, electric vehicles should reach 95% of market share in 2024. 
• Norway’s EV market is expected to generate $11.2 billion in 2024. 
• 81.6% of all new vehicles registered in Norway in 2023 were BEVs. 
• There were 689,196 electric passenger vehicles and 29,612 light commercial electric vehicles in Norway at the end of 2023. 
• As of November 2023, the Tesla Model Y was the most popular electric car in Norway. 
• The Norwegian EV Association claims that the country will reach 100% zero-emission car sales by 2025. 

Sources

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